Wednesday, May 31, 2006

I had been trying to come up with some Libertarian Sayings on my own. While Clayton likes the longer more nuanced ones, I have always prefered the short ones, but my standards are high. It has to be pithy and accurate. I have always liked the "There is no government like no government" but that seems more anarchist than libertarian. Someone has to enforce property rights so there is some role for government.

I saw this one on a t-shirt: "Vote Libertarian, Win a Freee Country". Short and to the point. I like it.

And this is the best one I could come up with: "A little government goes a long way" Similar to the no government one, but more in line with my idea of libertarianism.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Hannidy had a man on the street interview yesterday where he asked people to sing the national anthem. I was embarrased that I could do no better than his participants. I guess I haven't been to enough games lately. I am really going to try and learn the words and then work on my singing voice.

O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming! And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there: O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

I am really slow at writing things and submitting them. Someday I will learn.

I wanted to write an article on "bear"ing arms meaning that we have a constitutionally protected right to carry firearms but someone already did. On top of that it is pretty good and similar to the style I was comtemplating. Look at it here:

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Is Bush a big spender? The Volohk Conspiracy got me thinking about this again.He has certaintly disappointed me in many ways, but I'm not sure he gets a fair rap as a big spender.

First, some of the criticisms look at discretionary spending. This is kind of a arbitrary cut (who said government handouts were mandatory?). Also, this might actually be the least objectionable governement spending. Even Locke and Mill saw some role for defense, police and education.

Second, you really need to look at the long term promises for more spending. For example, the government made many promises for future spending under Carter that came due under Reagan. The cash accounting system of the government does not take this into account. See this Heritage article for more.

Third, the Bush increases are small compared to the new deal as show in the charts below. Notice that the receipts chart is more in line with what would be expected from the parties than the outlays.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Second, the second amendment should receive equal protection to other constitutional rights such as free speech.

Third, this protection should apply to state and private action as well as federal action.

I have read plenty on both sides of this debate (I don't think my position will change through further research). I believe these things both as desirable policy and as what was intended at adoption.

What I would like to discuss and get feedbak on is the "bear"ing of arms. To me, the plain meaning of this phrase is a right to carry arms on my person open or concealed. Right? "Bear" should not be read as being redundant to "keep". Can anyone point me to discussions or cases on point?